Finding Her Passion
Jeweler Beth deVitry, knew she was a gifted artist, but only after creating jewelry did she know she found her niche.
Beth deVitry
For more than 40 years, Beth deVitry has been creating one-of-a-kind jewelry. She's called Valley Road home for 19 years, but her husband Chris became a resident when he built their house in 1985. They love living amongst the tree lined streets and being close to the city.
What type of creative work do you do?
I create hand fabricated, gold and silver jewelry. I currently create cloisonné enamel jewelry.
How long have you pursued this work and how did you get started?
I have been making jewelry for 40 years. After receiving my degree in Fine Art from Maryland Institute College of Art, I apprenticed with a German trained goldsmith. I worked for a fine jewelry store for 25 years designing, creating and repairing jewelry. I retired from that 4 years ago. Now, I spend time showing in galleries and craft shows as well as teaching privately and in craft schools. Last year, I won an award in the Enamelist Society International Juried show, Alchemy 7. My work is published in Grains of Glass, A Global Community of Enamel Artists.
Who/what are your influences or what do you take inspiration from?
I grew up on a small farm in Maryland. As a child, I played in the woods and creek nearby. The natural world still inspires me. I have always loved art and drawing, but the moment I started creating jewelry, I knew I had found my passion.
How do you create the pieces you make?
Cloisonné is an ancient technique using pure gold and silver wires to encapsulate enamel in patterns. The enamel is fine powdered glass applied in wet form to each cell. It is fired in a kiln at 1450 degrees. Most of my work has at least 10 layers of enamel. It is a labor intensive craft that produces beautiful results. The next step is hand fabricating a setting out of silver or gold, often accented with gems. The fabrication takes as much time as the enamel process.
What are your goals for the future in pursuing your creative work?
I would like to expand my teaching, which I currently do at a few craft schools, including the PA Guild of Craftsmen. Right now, I have an online store and I show at few craft fairs, but hope to sell in more galleries.
Where can people view your work and potentially purchase items?